Google's Custom Voice Actions Provides Further App Interaction

Google is encouraging Android users to speak up, introducing custom voice actions designed to provide further interaction with apps.

The custom voice actions provide for a range of voice commands, with users able to launch and interact with third-party apps.

The feature allows direct access to apps, which will then respond to specific voice commands, providing a more immediate route in navigating to the app function.

By way of example, users can issue a voice action like: "Ok Google, listen to NPR" or "Ok Google, show attractions near me on TripAdvisor." Other commands could include: "scan my receipt on Walmart" or "watch trailer for Inception on Flixter".

Google states it is currently piloting custom voice actions with a select group of partners, and plans to open it up more widely in the future.